The EFOB or FEBO, depending on how you work it, can be something you have to take into account as you make your seat selection. We were once at the back of J going to Europe and yes, the selection was very limited, what everyone else didn't want. Eventhough they start asking at the back on the return flights from Europe, they will serve from the front.
Regarding the bread, sometimes it is warm then other times not, or the first go around it is warm but seconds/thirds it is not, go figure. The hot nuts are great and I always get seconds. I even once got them for after dinner snack, I just asked.